Article

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of electronic portable
assistive devices (EPADs) for people with acquired brain injury.
A systematic
database search (OVID, CINAHL) found 541 citations published between 1989 and the
end of 2012. A total of 23 reports met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, namely
intervention studies (group, n-of-1) testing the efficacy of EPADs as
compensatory devices for cognitive impairment for people with acquired brain
injury aged 16-65 years. Study quality was rated by the PEDro (Physiotherapy
Evidence Database) scale, (randomised controlled trials),
the Downes and Black
tool (other group intervention studies), and the Single Case Experimental Design
tool (single participant studies). Levels of evidence were determined using five
levels of classification based on the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence
table. Results found no Level 1 studies (RCTs with PEDro score >/= 6), four Level
2 studies and 10 Level 3 studies. There was insufficient evidence to recommend
any practice standards, but sufficient evidence to recommend the use of
electronic reminder systems in supporting the everyday functioning of people with
acquired brain injury as a practice guideline. Higher quality studies are
required to support a broader range of compensatory roles that EPADs have the
potential to play in neurorehabilitation and the long-term support of people with
acquired brain injury.

Langue : ANGLAIS